I have called on the HSE to get on with the installation of the X-ray facility at the Tuam Primary Medical Centre as a matter of urgency.
“In November 2017 I secured €700,000 for the facility through the then Minister for Health Simon Harris TD. To-date the x-ray service is still not in place”.
“The HSE have been carrying out feasibility studies, appointed a design team and have prepared costing but still no progress is being made in over 4 years”.
The proposed diagnostic services is being developed in conjunction with Portiuncula Hospital. It is estimated that 200 x-rays weekly could be carried out resulting in 10,000 visits less to Galway.
“It is my understanding that the delay revolves around the type of contract which is in place and the protracted process involved in changing the structural layout of the building under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Contract”.
“The Primary Care Centre model was designed to provided services locally and keep the hospitals free for acute and emergency services. The x-ray service is fundamental to achieving a successful model for Tuam and North Galway”.